The University of Sargodha conferred degrees on 78,701 students during its 6th convocation held at the main campus, on Thursday. The ceremony was significant as it marked graduation of 61 percent girls out of the total student population.
Acting Chinese Ambassador Lijian Zhao was the guest of honour, while University of Sargodha Vice Chancellor Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad presided over the ceremony. On the occasion, 40 PhD degrees, 1,399 MPhil, 31,724 MA/MSc., 15,961 BS/BBA and 29,577 BA/BSc. degrees were awarded to the students from disciplines of medical and health sciences, pharmacy, agriculture, sciences, arts and humanities and social sciences. Moreover, 480 students with distinctions were honoured with medals.
The ceremony was initiated in a ritualistic manner, with the entrance of the academic procession comprising the VC and Deans of seven faculties at the convocation venue.
Addressing the ceremony, Lijian Zhao thanked the Vice Chancellor for providing him with the opportunity to visit Sargodha – the city of eagles – for the first time. He appreciated the varsities administration for building academic and research linkages with esteemed Chinese institutions.
While quoting the Hadith “seek Knowledge even if you have to go as far as China,” the Acting Ambassador urged the students to equip themselves with right knowledge and skills to play their part in taking Pak-China relations to new heights and draw the maximum amount of benefits from China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“In 2010, only 2,000 Pakistani students were studying in China, however this number increased exponentially ever since the launch of CPEC, rising to 28,000 in 2018. Pakistan currently ranks third in the number of students studying in China, behind South Korea and Thailand,” he added.
He said China offered a wide variety of scholarships to Pakistani students and encouraged them to study in China. “Out of a total 28,023 Pakistani students studying in China, more than 7000 are pursuing their education on scholarships.”
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmad, while delivering his convocation speech, congratulated the students on their achievement. He said UOS was making a huge difference in the demographic and economic growth of the province, especially by generating skilful workforce, innovating agrarian products and providing community service.
“Our mode of teaching at University of Sargodha is not confined merely to imparting knowledge, but we also teach our students the religiously and culturally rich social values we have learned or inherited from our parents and elders,” the VC said, adding that throughout the year, UOS remained abuzz with scholarly events, co-curricular activities and sports competitions.
“During my two years of tenure, I have implemented several academic reforms and development initiatives such as promoting a culture of academic enquiry among students and faculty, introducing modern modes of quality teaching and research, fostering academic-industrial links as well as national and international collaborations,” Dr Ishtiaq added.
After formal ceremony, students celebrated their achievement with enthusiasm and fun-filled activities.
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